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Welcome to this week's edition of Wolexis's twitter predictions. It is week 9 of the English Premier League and the weekend see...

Welcome to this week's edition of Wolexis's twitter predictions. It is week 9 of the English Premier League and the weekend seems to be a lit one. Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge to take on his former boys Chelsea, with the Red Devils' manager in desperate need of all three.

This week, we brought in @TheAlchemist__ to battle our own ChukaMVP on this edition of twitter predictions. Alchemist is a long time lover and follower of football that he talks about his investment in sports so well. He has been a Chelsea football fan for over a decade and loves returning man Jose Mourinho. Alchemist is not just a fan, he likes to take on the armchair critic role and has a penchant for post-game analysis. And if you have no idea what an Alchemist is, watch him transform this prediction interview to something like a tactical lecture.

Fixtures

@TheAlchemist__

@ChukaMVP

B’Mouth vs Spurs

1-3

0-2

Arsenal vs M’Boro

4-1

2-0

Leicester vs Palace

2-1

3-1

West Ham vs S’Land

1-0

0-1

Hull City vs Stoke

2-2

1-0

Swansea vs Watford

1-1

2-0

Burnley vs Everton

2-3

0-0

Liverpool vs W’Brom

2-0

2-2

Man City vs Soton

3-1

4-0

Chelsea vs Man Utd

2-1

0-2

Wolexis: Hello Alchemist, welcome to Wolexis’ twitter predictions. Thank you for taking out the time to do this

Alchemist: My pleasure, man.

Wolexis: An avid Chelsea supporter, in three words how would you describe your season so far?

Alchemist: Decent, Improved, and Lively

Wolexis: Chelsea. Not in Europe, new manager, new faces, return of David Luiz, how do you see all these in terms of getting Chelsea back on track?

Alchemist: Naturally, with or without European commitment, Chelsea should be competing for the title. Understandably, there is a lot of rebuilding to be done so expectations might not be the same as previous years. But be that as it may, I expect Chelsea to at least give a reasonable push for the title. David Luiz might look to many as a compromise signing but what he might lack in natural ability, he provides in terms of experience and all round top presence, something that was greatly missing in their ranks last season. Summarily, I expect Chelsea to give a push for the title and a return to continental football.

Wolexis: So what are your expectations for this season across all competitions?

Alchemist: For the league, a top four finish and I don’t expect them to finish way off pole position and a decent showing in the latter stages of the domestic cups.

Wolexis: Top four is a hot contest this season, who is in your top four?

Wolexis: To the man himself, Antonio Conte. A shift to a pseudo 3-5-2 has worked a bit of magic of late; do you feel the shift is sustainable for the team?

Alchemist: As we have seen in recent times, the key to success for many teams and managers is tactical flexibility. While the 3-5-2 and 5-3-2 reverse system might be paying dividends now, it is necessary for Tony Conte to work on and adapt other systems due to the dynamic nature of the EPL and football in general. Also, considering Chelsea have quite a number of players not in the first 11 with various levels of importance to the team, it is highly unlikely that the system would be settled on. That being said, it is an interesting style to watch now considering how it differs from Chelsea’s traditional 4-3-2-1 system. How sustainable it would be for the team depends a lot on the player themselves. Like any formation be it 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, the current system demands a high level of concentration and more than anything- double levels of work rate, not something Chelsea have in natural abundance. Whether Conte plans to breed his players or bring in other players to suit his system would be the key to how sustainable the formation is.

Wolexis: Well said. You welcome another man known for his tactical prowess or flexibility, the man who set the wheel in motion at the Bridge. How do you feel about Mourinho’s return with Man Utd?

Alchemist: Chelsea against united is always a big game, irrespective of prevalent circumstances. Add the Mourinho factor to this weekend's game and it's a blockbuster. I personally care more about the 3 points than anything, couldn't care less who the manger in the opposing dugout is. Jose Mourinho is a legend in Chelsea’s books and he'll more than likely get a hero's reception. But I’ll be hoping the boys focus on the game rather than the occasion.

Jose Mourinho Would Be Returning To Stamford Bridge In The Away Dugout With Man Utd

Wolexis: So what is your prediction for the game?

Alchemist: 2-1 Chelsea win.

Wolexis: Say one good thing about your opponents this weekend.

Alchemist: Illustrious club with a great fan base…most times.

Wolexis: So a bit of nostalgia here, if you could resign one player, active or retired, who would that be?

Alchemist: Didier Drogba, There was always a chance of something with him on the pitch. His numbers were not the most mouth watering but in terms of impact, he was second to no Chelsea player I have ever watched.

Wolexis: And if you could kick one player out of the team right now?

Alchemist: *laughs* Ah! This is hard. They all do their jobs or at least try to, so no one.